The Augusta Commission, at the request of Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. unanimously passed a resolution in opposition to election reform bills in the Georgia General Assembly, according to a Feb. 23 press release.
The resolution formally names Senate Bills 67, 68, 69, 71, 73, and 74, but also mentions “and other such bills aimed at restricting methods available to Augusta Residents to Exercise their right to vote or cause undue financial burden on voters.”
Georgia Board of Election offices kept citizens safe and allowed them to vote during the pandemic, Davis said. He is “disgusted” and “troubled” by the six senate bills he urged Gov. Brian Kemp to veto, according to the press release.
“While there are many bills currently being drafted all with the sole purpose of disenfranchising voter, the resolution passed today by the commission addresses six senate bills that have a significant number of co-sponsors and target Augusta voters,” Davis said.
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Senate Bill 67 provides for the submission of identification when applying for absentee ballots, according to the General Assembly website.
Senate Bill 68 revises the manner of delivery of voted absentee ballots.
Senate Bill 69 requires people who want to register to vote through a driver’s license application indicate it on the application.
Senate Bill 71 requires voters give a reason why they should be allowed to vote absentee and limits the acceptable reasons to people 75 or older, have a physical disability or will be absent from their precinct on the date of the election.
Senate Bill 73 limits the distribution of absentee ballot applications to certain election officials and candidates
Senate Bill 74 revises the ability of poll watchers at tabulating centers to observe the vote counting process.
Shellie Smitley is a staff writer for The Augusta Press. Reach her at shellie@theaugustapress.com
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